Cork & Cage, Birmingham

Very basic craft beer bar in a narrow shop unit with industrial canteen-style furniture and decoration limited to black & white photographs along one side wall. Just an empty counter and ten unlabelled keg taps on the bar-back, but these were in a range of interesting styles (many Belgian). Deciding not to start the evening with something like one of the lambics made with wine grapes as an added ingredient (£6.00 for a 1/3rd), I went for a pint of the local Drain Troll from Dig Brew (£4.80).

Interesting little place with a real mix of craft ales available. Some odd ones that I'd never heard of. I was inspired to pick something different so I went for a 6.5% Plum sour from Vault City, Edinburgh. I am not normally a massive fan of sour beers but this was really nice. £4.50 for a half but I really enjoyed it. Nice to leave your comfort zone once in a while! I'd happily call again. Card only.

Heard about this bar so decided to go and see what was on. It is a bar and Turkish Restaurant on Pershore Road close to the British Oak pub and on the 45 and 47 bus route. There were no cask ales on but a selection of 10 craft beers. Wild Beer, Burning Soul, Wiper & True, Salopian, Northern Monk, Verdant, Wylam, Paulaner, and 2 from Gueuzerie Tilquin. There was a shelf behind the window with high stools and a number of tables and chairs back to the bar area, with clear notices of the beers available on the wall. Beer could be served in thirds, halves, two thirds and pints. Bar is card only though and no receipt given but can be sent to you by e-mail. Enjoyed the Wiper & True Milk Shake Stout